Chapter 10 - A New Dawn
Three months later.
The morning sun poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Penhaligon Tower.
The gray fog that usually covered Ironwood had lifted, leaving the skyline bright and clear.
Arthur sat at his desk, drinking a cup of hot coffee.
He looked at the financial reports, signed them, and handed them to his assistant.
“That will be all for today,” Arthur said.
“Yes, Mr. Penhaligon.”
The assistant closed the door.
Arthur stood up and walked to the private elevator, taking it down to the ground floor.
He drove himself back to the estate.
When he walked through the front door, the house didn't feel cold anymore.
The heavy drapes had been pulled back, letting light flood into the grand foyer.
Fresh flowers sat in a vase on the console table.
From the kitchen, Arthur could hear laughter.
He walked down the hall and leaned against the doorframe.
Maya was standing at the stove, wearing a casual sweater and jeans, flipping pancakes.
Sitting at the island counter, looking healthier than she had in years, was Catherine.
“You're burning them, Maya,” Catherine teased, sipping her tea.
“I am not burning them, Grandma. They are caramelized,” Maya argued playfully.
Arthur smiled.
He walked into the kitchen and poured himself a second cup of coffee.
“Good morning, Catherine,” Arthur said.
“Morning, Arthur. Tell your girlfriend she can't cook.”
Maya blushed furiously, nearly dropping the spatula.
“Grandma!”
Arthur laughed, walking up behind Maya and wrapping his arms around her waist.
He rested his chin on her shoulder.
“I think they smell perfect,” Arthur murmured, pressing a soft kiss to her neck.
Maya leaned back against him, closing her eyes.
After breakfast, Arthur took Maya's hand and led her upstairs.
They walked down the second-floor hallway, stopping at the door at the far end.
The forbidden room.
Only, it wasn't forbidden anymore.
Arthur turned the handle and opened the door.
The dust was gone. The windows were open, letting the cool breeze blow through the sheer white curtains.
The grand piano had been polished, gleaming in the sunlight.
Arthur walked over to the piano and sat down on the bench.
He patted the space next to him.
Maya sat beside him.
Arthur placed his hands on the keys and began to play.
It was the melody.
The French lullaby.
He played it beautifully, the notes filling the room not with sorrow, but with peace.
Maya leaned her head on his shoulder, humming along softly.
For three years, Arthur Penhaligon had been a man trapped in the dark, barely breathing, just waiting for the end.
But as the final chord faded into the bright, sunlit room, Arthur looked at the woman who had saved his life.
May you like
He didn't just exist anymore.
He was finally ready to live.
